The US decision to stop importing crab products from two Philippine crab fisheries starting June 11 not only helps the Vietnamese crab industry continue to maintain its core export market but also opens up opportunities to increase market share in one of the world's largest consumer markets.

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has just announced its final decision on the equivalence assessment under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).

Accordingly, NOAA recognizes that the crab fisheries of Vietnam, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka meet the equivalence requirements with the US management program. Thanks to this, crab products harvested from these fisheries continue to be allowed for export into the US until the end of December 31, 2029.

Conversely, NOAA does not recognize equivalence for two crab fisheries of the Philippines (fishery codes 2129 and 2130). This agency asserted that crab products harvested from the two aforementioned fisheries will no longer be allowed for import into the US starting June 11, which is 30 days after the notice was published in the US Federal Register.

According to NOAA, after an additional review process, the Philippines has still not demonstrated the effectiveness of measures to monitor and mitigate the entanglement or impact on marine mammals during harvesting activities. The currently available data does not provide sufficient basis to assess the level of impact of crab fisheries on protected species.

NOAA import data shows that the US imported approximately 2,417 tons of blue swimming crab from the Philippines in 2025. Meanwhile, Indonesia exported around 14,290 tons, Vietnam 4,143 tons, and Sri Lanka around 820 tons.

The elimination of supply from the Philippines from the US market is projected to create a significant vacuum, forcing importers to seek alternative sources from countries that remain recognized as equivalent, including Vietnam.

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), continuing to be recognized as equivalent by the US helps the Vietnamese crab industry maintain a stable outlet in its most important market today.

In 2025, Vietnam's crab exports reached nearly 86 million USD, up nearly 6% compared to the previous year. The US market alone accounted for more than 81% of the total export turnover of this commodity and increased by about 10%. This indicates that the US remains a market of decisive significance for the Vietnamese crab industry.

According to VASEP, the new US decision shows that standards on sustainable harvesting, fishery monitoring, and marine mammal protection are becoming increasingly important conditions for global seafood trade.

NOAA stated that the equivalence recognition for Vietnam's crab fishery is effective until the end of 2029 but can be reviewed if the management program no longer meets requirements. This agency simultaneously recommended that Vietnam continue to expand its fishery observer program, enhance electronic monitoring, and step up conservation activities for high-risk species such as the Irrawaddy dolphin.

For exporting enterprises, an important note is that imported raw materials used for processing and export to the US must not originate from fisheries that have been denied equivalence recognition by the US. This means that traceability and supply chain control requirements will become increasingly stringent.

Source: Bao Tien Phong